Year 8 - Spring

Year 8 Curriculum overview - Sprint term

English

Year 8 will cover non-fiction in the form of writing to advise, and fiction in the form of a study of poems from other cultures. They will have the opportunity to be assessed formally on both their reading and writing skills with some speaking and listening used to develop their ideas. They will also continue with spelling intervention in addition to phonics and handwriting support where necessary. They will continue to have dedicated reading time with one to one feedback.

Maths

In maths we will continue to develop the core skills of number- covering place value, counting, ordering, arithmetic and times tables. Problem solving skills are developed.

Time – ordering everyday events, reading time on analogue and digital time and developing an awareness of functional time.

The pupils will have regular sessions using RM Easimaths. Some will start to use MyMaths and other ICT resources.

Additionally, this term there will be topics on representing and interpreting data, finding fractions of amounts, position, direction, symmetry and decimals and percentages.

Understanding Our World – Science

Energy at Work - Pupils will find out what is meant by energy and energy transfer. They will learn how our energy resources are used in power stations to generate electricity and they will consider the effect this has on our environment.

Life Processes - Pupils will find out about what takes place in our bodies to keep us alive. They will learn how oxygen is used and how we breathe. They will also find out about the heart and circulation and the way in which our bones and muscles work when we move.

Understanding Our World – Computing

Computer control - Pupils will revise how to sequence instructions to complete a familiar task and go on to devise an algorithm to control traffic lights.

Coding - Pupils will investigate Scratch coding. They will design a program to accomplish a specific goal such as moving a character along a route and undertake short tasks to help improve their logical reasoning. They will work with Scratch, Rainbow Matrix and Makey Makey to test and improve their programs.

Understanding Our World – Humanities

Pupils will be looking at who ruled England as well as the ordinary lives of people both in the town and country, rich and poor and what entertainment they enjoyed. In addition to this, pupils will be getting to know the world in more detail.

In Geography they will also be examining Fantastic Places around the world and their natural beauty; thinking about their unique physical features and learning a little about how they are formed and why it is important to look after such places.

Understanding Our World – Religion and Ethics (R and E)

How do religious things influence life? - Pupils will think about the qualities of a good leader and find out about some famous people from the past who have stood up for their beliefs. Visitors will help pupils to consider Fair Trade and the rights and responsibilities of ourselves and of others around the world. Fairness and justice will be important things to think about this term as part of the Citizenship units on human rights.

Art

This term pupils will be looking at Cubism and in particular the artist Picasso. They will be looking at a range of painting and drawing techniques and how a different viewpoint can create an exciting change to a picture. The challenge will be to show 3D objects in 2D. Pupils will work both on their own and as a group.

Design and Technology – Resistant materials

Pupils will complete their work in resistant materials and then after February half term start work in textiles. (Please see summer term for full details).

Design and Technology – Textiles

Pupils will complete their work in textiles and then after February half term start work in resistant materials. (Please see summer term for full details).

Performing Arts – Music

Musical Pattern - Pupils will be looking at simple musical form and pattern in music – some of it quite loud! They will be able to compose their own music and experiment with instruments. Singing will include rounds and pupils will accompany themselves with untuned instruments. Key words will be dynamics, tempo and rhythm and pupils will work towards a class performance at the end of term.

Performing Arts – Dance

Dance from around the world - This term, pupils will explore different dance styles from around the world such as Gumboot dancing and Bollywood. Building on the key words learnt last term: Action, Space, Dynamics and Relationship, to create and choreography their own routines to perform.

PE

This term we will be extending pupils Hockey and Football skills. Pupils will have the opportunity to work on Modern Education Gymnastics, working on the theme of ‘Levels’, working on floor and large apparatus. Cross Country and Fitness work, will lead onto an introduction to Athletics, in preparation for the Summer Term.

Social Skills

Lessons will be delivered on a rotation of theory, discussion/circle time, and practical activities to allow for learning and practice During the second term pupils will be developing their self-management skills. Pupils will develop a greater understanding for their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how to manage these in different scenarios and with a variety of coping skills. Pupils will then begin to develop their social awareness by challenging their social communication skills and exploring and accepting others’ perspectives.

PSHE

Growing up, changes - Pupils will be considering physical and emotional changes that they experience in puberty and how these can be managed, discussing issues in a sensitive way. They will find out how important hygiene is at this time, looking at the many products that are available. Pupils will talk about special relationships and marriage, find out how a baby is conceived and watch its development, using special pictures and film clips to help understanding.

Passport for Life – Home economics

In Home Economics the pupils will focus on basic cooking and food preparation skills. Pupils will learn how to work safely in the kitchen as well as developing, an understanding of what Home Economics is and learn the important hygiene and healthy eating rules. They will learn about basic nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. Pupils will cook a wide range of dishes from a variety of simple recipes. Pupils will gain independence in the kitchen and begin to discuss the skills they are learning.

Pupils will gain a better understanding of where our food comes from, and how it is produced. We will be focussing on how this helps them to make more informed choices about their diet. Pupils will follow a project on ‘lunches’, enabling them to make hand held snack foods that are both sweet and savoury.

Passport for Life – Outdoor learning

In Outdoor learning the pupils will be outside in the woodland area having a hands-on opportunity to learn about the natural environment through directed tasks and play. They will be guided to use their own initiative to solve problems and cooperate with others. The students will be given a large amount of freedom in their learning.

In year 8 the main theme throughout the lessons will be building relationships and team work. Some of the activities throughout the year will include den building, fire lighting and exploration. The students will also be introduced to using tools such as knives, loppers and saws.